• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

  • Our Team
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
    • Saint Antoine Daniel KYRIALE
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
  • Donate
Views from the Choir Loft

“Liturgy Wars” and Four Universal Principles

Richard J. Clark · November 13, 2015

ITH ENDLESS DEBATE about musical styles, the term “Liturgy Wars” is now a common part of the liturgical lexicon. So common, in fact, that it has lost its shock value to the point that it is in some circles not even controversial. It is an accepted reality.

In some ways, this is a healthy sign because reasonable, intelligent people need to be able to work together even when they don’t agree. Or more commonly, we may have superiors with whom we must work with even if we believe (or know) we are correct, or backed by the Liturgy Documents, etc. Catechesis is a process. A working trust is a process. Often it takes years. More realistically, it takes a lifetime.

The political reality in most every parish is that there are numerous “factions” and preferences. This requires the reality of doing many styles of music even in one liturgy. This has advantages and disadvantages—too many to discuss. But an important political reality is that when advocating for 100% purity of style or approach, one will usually leave the table with nothing. This helps no one. And the people may be cheated of ever being exposed to music that is their birthright—the Treasury of Sacred Music of the Church.

CASE CAN BE MADE for a hybrid music program in which one may chose from the “best of the best.” In some circumstances, this is the only way to introduce chant or polyphony or traditional hymnody. In many parishes, regular use or even introduction of such music is progress. It also will be something to build upon.

An important approach when utilizing multiple styles in one liturgy is to filter the music through the most important musical and liturgical principles. Regardless of styles of music we must consider the following:

1) The Three Judgments — When selecting music, 2007 US Bishop’s document Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship requires that we consider three elements when choosing music: 1) Liturgical 2) Pastoral 3) Musical. I wrote a good deal more about this here. Does the music fulfill these requirements? This is an essential guideline that will help filter out lesser music, and direct our hearts and minds toward God.

2) In the liturgy, the Word is preeminent. From a liturgical perspective, it is vital to note the text of the music. All too often, the particulars of text are not considered carefully enough or at all. What is the theological content? Is the text from scripture? Is the text a setting of any of the antiphons? Different styles can go a longer way when the text correlates to the words of the Mass in this manner.

3) When rehearsing music of different styles, pay a high level of attention to universal musical principles: phrasing, diction, choral blending, etc. Apply all of these regardless of the style. It will also earn the respect of the choir, the people, and the pastor.

4) Music of all styles for the liturgy must be filtered through the prism of reverence. Reverence does not preclude energy or joy or any other emotion for that matter. In fact reverence embraces all emotions. But, the sacred liturgy requires it. If a piece cannot be reverent in some fashion, then it is probably not appropriate for the liturgy.

It is our job to make sacred music work. Some music requires more input and effort from us to make that happen. It’s our pastoral responsibility to do so in order to serve God and to serve His people.

ADVENT IS NEAR!

Hard copies and downloadable digital scores of the Communion Antiphons for Advent, published with World Library Publications.

You can listen to recordings directed by Paul French here.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
    Once, after Mass, my pastor said he really loved the hymn we did. I said: “Father, that's Holy God, We Praise Thy Name—you never heard it before?” He replied: “But the way you did it was terrific. For once, it didn't sound like a funeral dirge!” Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang that hymn. I think the tempo was just about right … but what do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Don’t You Agree About These?
    If you want to make Jeff Ostrowski really happy, send him an email with effusive praise about the individual voice recordings for hymn #296. [Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass] They came out dazzlingly sensational, don't you agree?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Choral Vowels? Yes? No?
    Here's a live recording of one of the choral “warm-up” exercises my choir enjoys. It was taken during our rehearsal on 27 January 2023. It’s good to make sure each chord is perfectly in tune and balanced before moving to the next one. That only happens when each singer has the correct vowel. If you like, you can freely download that vocal exercise.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Naturally the accompaniment of the organ is merely tolerated during the office of the dead, but in fact, in nearly every parish this toleration has become a habit.”

— Henri Potiron, 1958

Recent Posts

  • Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
  • PDF Download • Belgian Book of Gregorian Accompaniments (Official Edition)
  • Don’t You Agree About These?
  • Choral Vowels? Yes? No?
  • Crucial Tip For Choir Directors

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2023 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.